Options for bathroom fixtures create endless possibilities.
Story by Tracy Dickinson
Featured in Spring 2025
During the pandemic in 2020, remodeling activity rose dramatically. Five years later, remodelers remain busy because many homeowners have opted to stay and update their homes rather than undertake a move.
Whether it’s motivated by interest rates, life changes, or the age of the home, remodeling can be a rewarding investment in both your home and your quality of life. And a bathroom remodel is one of the most popular projects to undertake.
While a skilled remodeler can provide planning and execution of your project, the expertise of a bathroom designer can not only help create a beautiful space but can also save you time, money, and a lot of frustration.
“We have clients tell us all the time that they had no idea how much goes into selecting plumbing fixtures and accessories,” says Amy Kimberley of Ferguson Home. “We ask everything from the rough-in measurement for the toilet to what brand of shower valve is currently installed and how old it is. There are so many factors that can determine which products will and won’t work in your space.”
Kimberley also advises clients to choose their cabinetry and countertops before they select the fixtures and accessories because those elements can set the tone for the room’s style.
“The size of the room can have some effect on the fixture selection, but the size of the vanity is definitely a factor,” she says. “If you have a small vanity, opting for a single-hole or wall-mount faucet will give you more counter space. But if you have a very long countertop, you can use a larger sink or a user-friendly vessel sink.”
In addition to room and vanity size, Kimberley says it’s important to discuss up front any upgraded features you might be interested in so that the remodeler and contractors can prepare accordingly. “If you’d like a toilet with a bidet seat, that requires a GFI outlet behind the toilet. And steam showers require space for the steam generator as well as a dedicated circuit. The tile material and size of the shower also affect the size of the generator.”
“The size of the room can have some effect on the fixture selection.”
Amy Kimberley, Ferguson Home
Those are all considerations for which a qualified bathroom designer can help. Kimberley says walking through a display area like the stunning new Ferguson Home showroom can be a great way to start.
“I like to get to know who is living in the space and how they plan to use it,” Kimberley says. “Getting to know them helps me problem solve and suggest ideas that they might not have thought about. At Ferguson Home, we have a talented, experienced team that is pretty creative with its solutions.”
Once you’ve chosen the type of fixtures such as toilet, shower or tub, sink, and faucets, selecting the individual products provides the focal point for accessories such as towel bars, grab bars, and lighting.
As Kimberley mentioned, steam showers have grown in popularity. But even standard shower designs more often incorporate a rain or waterfall shower head for both comfort and efficiency. Toilets are available with high-tech features like automatic flushing, heated seats, and built-in bidets. And freestanding tubs add a spalike element if space allows. Floating vanities with vessel sinks are especially popular in minimalist or contemporary spaces.
When it comes to accessorizing those fixtures, the options are nearly limitless, which the new Ferguson Home showroom in Grimes demonstrates. Displaying plumbing fixtures, accessories, and more, the 14,000-square-foot space allows homeowners to see and compare the variety of products and finishes available.
“We usually encourage name brands and brands with local representation. If a problem arises, it’s important to have access to the manufacturer and to local service providers,” Kimberley says.
Ferguson Home stocks products from hundreds of companies and has built relationships with those providers during the firm’s decades in the industry. And Kimberley and her team watch the trends and partner with those manufacturers to design the ideal space for each client.
“We’ll work with a client to create a space that they love. We can do that more effectively because we’ve worked with these products and companies for so long,” she says.
“For example, some finishes are better suited for high-traffic areas than others, and some require more specific care and maintenance. Understanding those unique considerations ahead of time will ensure that you’re happy with the finished space for years to come.”
Traditional chrome, which has remained popular because of its durability, isn’t the only option, though.
“Brushed nickel, champagne bronze, and Venetian bronze are also great options that offer both a unique style and durability,” she says.
Whatever your style, do more than just dream about that new bathroom if you want your vision to become reality. A well-planned space designed with expert advice will add value to your home—and to your life. •
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- Amy Kimberley Ferguson Home
